Dallas doctors try something new, shared medical appointments

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - In Dallas at Parkland, they're trying something new, shared medical appointments or SMAS. It may sound crummy to share your doctor visit with eight other people, but a lot of doctors and patients are agreeing that it is actually improving patient care. Every child is examined one at a time, but then questions are asked and answered in a group setting.

Dr. Shalini Rajasekaran, a pediatrician says, "I think the SMA's are a great opportunity for the mothers, primarily because they're surrounded by other mothers who may be at different stages in parenting."

"You get to learn what other people are going through and if you have the same problem, then you kind of already know because they talked about it here," said Zulu Soto, a mother.

The theory is it's more convenient for parents because they don't have to sit in the waiting room as long. It's more comfortable for doctors because they don't have to hurry from room to room for long individual visits and overall, there's more education, because all the moms benefit from each other's questions. Especially when the kids with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, are grouped together for their shared medical appointments.